Chapter 591: The Celebration Feast
Before I knew it, large jars filled with alcohol had been set up all around, and from them, small jars—still about the size of a face—were being filled and passed around. There were also people walking about, cradling vessels that looked like sake bottles, pouring drinks for others.
A whole roast pig was brought in, and people tore off pieces to place on what looked like banana leaves.
Can you really tear it? I wondered, peeking closer, and noticed that it had been cut in a way that made it easy to pull apart. No, wait, it was cut in a crisscross pattern to ensure it cooked through.
Moreover, it had this reddish-brown color and a spicy aroma. It felt like it had been marinated in a rich, spicy sauce before being roasted.
Upon closer inspection, I saw that those distributing the food and drink included employees from Soleil’s establishment, dressed in outfits that blended in with the crowd.
Chickpea and eggplant paste was spread on flatbread and handed out. On top of spiced fried rice, small pieces of bird—smaller than chicken, so probably grilled pigeon or something—were served alongside the rice on leaves.
There were small chopped vegetable dishes, steamed fish, baskets piled high with fruit, and desserts drizzled with honey on large flat plates.
Those who loved meat lingered around the meat, while those who enjoyed alcohol gathered near the jars. Families and friends chatted while carrying food, forming circles, while those wanting to mingle moved about.
Isn’t a lord who can host such a grand feast a good lord? Karn is a king, after all.
Laughter and bright faces filled the air. Joyful voices and hopeful expressions.
The Earth Folk seemed captivated by the patterns on the cobblestone square, somewhat isolated from the rest.
Even with so many people around, some were crouched down, examining the ground closely, discussing the structure among themselves, marveling at the beauty and lineage of the patterns. It felt like they were in danger of being stepped on.
I should have let them admire it to their heart’s content when there were fewer people around!
“That’s the ‘King’s Branch’… I see, it really draws people in. When you catch sight of the ‘King’s Branch’ that aligns with your ideals, even if it has nothing to do with your country, it stirs an undeniable longing for home. It’s like a ship sailing through the desert.”
I locked eyes with Captain Cat.
Ideals… Is Captain Cat’s ideal that Karn is a king? Given his looks and personality, he certainly seems fit for the role, right? Yeah.
So, if I resonate with the ‘King’s Branch (Karn)’, that must be it?
“I’m really glad we could establish a country.”
I nodded in agreement.
“Huh? What’s up? The conversation seems—”
“Does Captain Goat drink?”
Retze raised a jar filled with alcohol, showing it off.
“I drink. I can handle human food just fine. With this body, I only need a sip.”
“So you don’t change your tastes just because you’re a cat.”
Captain Cat replied as Retze handed a jar of alcohol to one of the crew members.
Retze once asked me what Captain Cat eats. At that time, he continued, “If it’s cat innards, then that’s one thing, but if it’s not, then it’s strange. If everything inside is cat, then the brain should also be cat, right? What’s going on there?”
In short, Retze knows that Captain Cat drinks. Is he suggesting we change the subject?
“Is there no punchline later about how it’s bad for the cat?”
“Not at all, so you can relax.”
Half changing the subject, half out of concern, I got a confident reply. Did he check with some spirit he knows?
Captain Cat is quite the mystery too.
“Jean.”
“Ash.”
And the butler.
“Congratulations.”
“Congratulations.”
We exchanged blessings and shared smiles.
“…That girl has quite an impressive smile.”
Captain Cat murmured.
No need to eavesdrop; Ash is only scary because of his face. He’s just trying to be serious today to celebrate, putting in extra effort.
Maybe because he was a former noble, he’s participating differently than me, Dean, and Chris, who are here half for fun. Everyone, including me, feels happy for Karn, but Ash’s congratulations carry a heavier weight.
Also, lately, even with a scary face, he still looks like a woman.
“Well then, see you later. It’s free booze; I need to make sure these guys get plenty to drink.”
With that, Captain Cat and the crew moved toward the food and drink.
“Let Captain Cat dream a little today.”
Retze said as we waved them off.
A dream of sailing a ship through the desert?
“Huh?”
The spirit of Haulon (Fandor) flew over and tugged at my sleeve. The Ittan Momen that came with him was circling around Ash and the butler. It was thicker than a rhythmic gymnastics ribbon.
He was busy pulling me and Retze along.
“It seems you are being summoned.”
The butler remarked.
“There are three heavyweight gods inside the temple, so that’s bound to be a problem.”
So, guided by the spirit, we headed to the temple through the back entrance. If we entered from the front, someone might follow us. In fact, if one person went in, everyone would likely tumble in after.
We met up with Dinoss and the others in the back hallway.
“I just barely touched the alcohol.”
Dean grumbled as he moved ahead.
Before coming here, he had been holding out with tea at Kanum.
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The 12th volume will be released on October 10th. Some places already have it lined up, so thank you for your support!
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